Tapered Guide Structure for Casing Running Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gripping tools for tubular structures in well drilling require significant skill, time, and cost to install, and existing solutions do not efficiently reduce these factors, especially under less optimal conditions such as windy environments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a nubbin and a guide structure, where the guide structure is coupled to the nubbin, helps guide a gripping tool into position within a tubular structure by increasing the cross-sectional dimension from the proximal to the distal guide end, allowing for quicker and more efficient installation of casing running tools, potentially reducing installation time to under 5 minutes and using lightweight materials to avoid adding significant weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a gripping tool is installed without a guide structure, then the installation process is simpler, but the installation time increases and requires more skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary component between the nubbin and the gripping tool. It provides a tapered bore that receives and guides the gripping tool during installation, ensuring proper alignment and reducing installation time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure is pre-installed on the nubbin before the gripping tool is attached. This preliminary positioning ensures that the gripping tool is correctly aligned during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing installation time
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gripping tools are used, then the structural design is simpler, but the operational range and gripping capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping tool is divided into multiple jaws that can independently engage with the tubular structure. This segmentation allows the tool to grip various sizes and shapes of tubulars, extending its operational range while keeping each individual jaw relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping tool is designed with universal capabilities to engage with different types of tubular structures through its multiple jaws and guide structure. This multi-functionality allows a single tool design to handle various drilling and wellbore operations without requiring specialized tools for each application
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, system and method for guiding a gripping tool into a structure to be gripped. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a nubbin and a guide structure fixed to the nubbin. In a second aspect, the system comprises the apparatus and a target structure to be gripped by the gripping tool. In a third aspect, the method comprises coupling the nubbin to a target structure to be gripped by a gripping tool and moving a leading portion of the gripping tool through the apparatus and into the target structure.